Ohio Bobcats face a massive challenge this week. After a close game with Rutgers and a surprise win against West Virginia, they head to Columbus to take on no. 1 Ohio State. Looking at the Bucks’ dominant win against Texas and a 70-0 shutout of Grambling State, the odds are stacked against the underdog. And Vegas reflects this, with OSU favored by a whopping 28.5 points and an over/under of 50.5. It’s a tough situation. But Bobcats quarterback Parker Navarro’s exciting dual-threat ability has fans hoping they can put up a fight. Can Ohio keep it competitive in the Horseshoe? Let us see who are going to be the announcers for this hyped-up game.

NBC is ready to amp up the excitement. And to make this night even more powerful, Paul Burmeister will handle play-by-play, and Chris Simms will provide his quarterback expertise as an analyst. Zora Stephenson will offer sideline reporting. With its history and underdog spirit, this matchup is in good hands with the broadcast team. And with Notre Dame versus Texas A&M starting just 30 minutes later in South Bend, NBC is delivering a double dose of primetime college football action. Fans are in for a treat this weekend.

But is this broadcast team really all that captivating? Yes, they are, as Paul Burmeister’s voice has basically become part of NBC Sports at this point. Since he came on board in 2014, he’s covered everything from Notre Dame football on the radio to USFL games on TV and even the Olympics, including water polo, ski jumping, and more. Plus, have you ever watched the Tour de France in the summer? He’s been the main guy for that since 2016. The man’s incredibly versatile, and that makes him a perfect fit.

Then there’s Chris Simms, who offers a player’s insight and has the pedigree to back it up. He was a star quarterback for the Texas Longhorns and played in the NFL for the Buccaneers, Broncos, and Titans. He’s also the son of Phil Simms, who was the Super Bowl MVP for the Giants. Despite his own playing career having its share of challenges, Chris has become known as a strong analyst. He’s not afraid to speak his mind, and fans either love him or can’t stand him for it.

And we can’t overlook Zora Stephenson, who’s quickly making a name for herself at NBC. She’s covered everything from the Olympics in Paris and Beijing to Big Ten basketball on Peacock and even won a Sports Emmy in 2024. Starting in October 2025, she’ll be courtside for the NBA’s NBC return.. A huge platform that suits her energy and versatility perfectly. So, combine Burmeister’s steady presence, Simms’ football knowledge and candor, and Stephenson’s sideline enthusiasm, and you’ve got a broadcasting team ready for the big time.

Can Ohio win against Ohio State?

Now, the Bucks head into Week 3 with an in-state showdown against Ohio University. Their last meeting in 2010 featured the infamous Rufus vs. Brutus mascot brawl, so there’s already some wild history here. But the worst part? Fighting against Ryan Day’s squad brings in another level of stress. Just take a look at their resume: Julian Sayin just earned Big Ten Freshman of the Week honors. Jeremiah Smith leads a stacked wide receiver group. And freshman running back Bo Jackson is emerging after a 108-yard performance against Grambling. While the Buckeyes’ offense is loaded with talent, the Bobcats’ defense has been tough, limiting Rutgers and West Virginia to only 3.4 yards per carry.

Yet with all the hype, Ryan Day continues to push for their consistency. “Every play is an opportunity to get better,” Day said. And their passing game’s already firing on all cylinders. Julian Sayin was on fire against Grambling State, completing 18 of 19 passes for 306 yards and four touchdowns. He also set a school record with 16 consecutive completions to start the game. Even Jeremiah Smith burned the defense with an 87-yard touchdown, the second-longest in program history.

But let’s not on Ohio as they have some promising players, including linebacker Michael Molnar, who became MAC Defensive Player of the Week after recording seven tackles and 1.5 sacks against West Virginia. On offense, dual-threat quarterback Parker Navarro has led the Bobcats with 486 passing yards, four touchdowns, and 180 rushing yards in two games. So, let’s just say there’s a chance that people might witness a close game. But most viewers expect a classic Ryan Day beatdown.